Bartica Businessman, accomplices arrested for theft of gasoline, groceries

Police are probing a case of simple larceny from Brian Tiwari, a 64-year-old businessman, which reportedly took place between 2:00 hrs and 9:00 hrs on Saturday.

The incident unfolded at Takatu Landing, with police having since arrested a 45-year-old businessman from Bartica and other unidentified accomplices.

Tiwari, who runs a mining operation at Farback Backdam, Cuyuni River, instructed his employees on Friday to use his truck to transport valuable goods. The truck was loaded with sixteen drums of diesel, valued at $800,000, groceries worth $150,000, and a toolkit valued at $80,000.

The vehicle, driven by a 23-year-old male from Mora Camp, Mazaruni River, departed early on Friday, heading towards Farback Backdam. At approximately 2:00 hrs, while navigating a trail near Takatu Landing, the truck overturned. This accident resulted in the spillage of diesel and groceries onto the road. Both the driver and the porter sustained injuries and were taken to Bartica Regional Hospital, leaving the cargo unattended.

By 9:00 hrs, Tiwari’s supervisor, Shawn Wilson, was dispatched to check on the truck. Wilson found that nine drums of diesel, valued at $450,000, as well as the groceries and toolkit, were missing. The total estimated value of the stolen items amounts to $680,000. The incident was promptly reported to the police.

Acting on the report, police officers conducted a search of the suspect’s business premises at Takatu Landing around 2:30 hrs. During the search, six drums of diesel were recovered. The suspect was informed of the allegations, cautioned, and subsequently admitted to the crime.

The arrested individual was escorted to the Bartica Police Station, where he is currently in custody and assisting with the ongoing investigation.